Objective
The vertebrate immune system has long been considered as a bipartite entity encompassing two independent and isolated arms: innate immunity, providing the first line of defense, and adaptive immunity, responsible for memory. Recent evidence suggests that, in addition to their undisputed role in innate immunity, natural killer (NK) cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are important contributors to adaptive immune responses. Yet the mechanisms underlying these cellular interactions are still obscure.
Lately, we could demonstrate a key role for NK cells in the initiation of adaptive immunity by describing a novel pathway harnessing NK cell cytotoxicity for robust T and B cell priming. Interestingly, this sterile inflammatory response was found to be entirely abrogated in mice lacking Toll like receptor (TLR) signaling. As TLRs also sense commensal bacteria, we propose to use germ-free mice to address the role of the normal flora in this sterile pathway induced by NK cells (Aim 1).
Using a new mouse model allowing unbiased assessment of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) function, we have preliminary data suggesting that in sterile conditions pDCs negatively modulate NK cells and the subsequent priming of adaptive immune effectors. In apparent conflict with these findings, we observed that pDC deficiency in a model of chronic virus infection leads to defective priming of T cells. Such reduced T cell response was preceded by a substantial decrease in cytokine production, most likely as a consequence of diminished NK cell activity. We want to mechanistically address these unexpected and opposite outcomes that are possibly contingent on the nature of the inflammatory environment (Aim 2).
Therefore, by providing a deeper insight into the routes of communication used by effectors of the innate and adaptive immunity, our investigation may reveal novel strategies for the immune–modulation of infections, tumor surveillance or autoimmune diseases.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology cell signaling
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
3012 BERN
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.